Bill proposes adding religion class to Florida public schools

A new bill filed this week opens the possibility of religion being taught in Florida's public schools.

Thursday, January 10th 2019, 12:43 PM EST

Updated:

Thursday, January 10th 2019, 8:17 PM EST

A new bill filed this week opens the possibility of religion being taught in Florida's public schools.

The proposed law from Jacksonville democrat Kimberly Daniels would require each school district to offer specified courses relating to religion and the Bible to certain students as elective courses. Daniels lists her religious affiliation as non-denominational on the Florida House's website.

The proposal says every school board must create what's called a secular program of education to study religion and the Bible, which includes the Old Testament, the New Testament and Hebrew scriptures. It also requires the state's Department of Education to include these courses in the course code directory.

"More likely or not it will face a lot of opposition in the legislature," said Florida Gulf Coast University professor of Justice Studies Pamella Seay.

She said the lack of inclusions of other religions will slow this bill down.

"Focusing solely on the Judeo-Christian side might make it a little more challenging," Seay said.

The classes would only be offered as an elective to students grades 9 through 12, meaning it wouldn't be a core education requirement to graduate. In the bill's language it says the course may not endorse, favor, promote or show hostility toward a particular religion, perspective or faith.

Charlotte County Public Schools says if it becomes law, it'll implement it - but other religions aren't mentioned.

"I know we have children of the Hindu faith, Muslim faith, we have other faiths in our school district," said Michael Riley with the CCPS.

"Religion to a lot of people is a very personal thing," Riley said. "There are going to be some parents that don't want their children in that class and you have to respect their rights also."

If passed, the bill becomes law before the start of the new year on July 1.